柳 - 李商隐
Willow - Li Shangyin
A Gentle Reflection on Passing Seasons
曾逐东风拂舞筵
Once, they followed the east wind and brushed the banquet table
乐游春苑断肠天
In the spring gardens of Le You, they pierced the heart beneath vast skies
如何肯到清秋日
How can they now abide these crisp autumn days?
已带斜阳又带蝉
When they bear the slanting sun and the cicada’s call
Li Shangyin’s poem “Willow” reflects on the fleeting nature of seasons and the emotional undertones they carry. In the first couplet, the willows are depicted as companions of the east wind, drifting gracefully across a banquet scene—an image suggestive of springtime revelry and youthful vibrance. Yet even in these carefree moments, the phrase “断肠天” (piercing the heart) signals an undercurrent of sorrow, emphasizing that joy and sadness often coexist.
The scene then shifts to autumn, marked by the slanting rays of the setting sun and the persistent song of cicadas. Traditionally, cicadas signify both the height and the end of summer; their sound here echoes the inevitability of change. By asking “How can they now abide these crisp autumn days?” Li Shangyin underscores the willows’—and thus the poet’s—struggle to reconcile the radiance of spring with the poignant transitions of fall.
This poem, though brief, captures the paradox of beauty and longing. The willows serve as living symbols of life’s constant flux: despite the inexorable turning of seasons, they endure—yet each shift brings with it a wistful reminder of what has passed. Li Shangyin invites readers to reflect on how we, too, contend with the ebb and flow of time, cherishing moments of splendor even as they slip into memory. By weaving nature and emotion so seamlessly together, he reminds us that paying careful attention to the seasons can deepen our understanding of impermanence, and help us greet each phase of life with acceptance and grace.
Key points
1. Nature mirrors human emotion, interlacing the joy of spring with the wistfulness of autumn.
2. Willows embody resilience, persisting through changing seasons and symbolizing continuity amid transience.
3. Awareness of impermanence can sharpen our appreciation for fleeting moments of beauty.
4. Li Shangyin’s succinct, layered imagery invites deep contemplation of life's ongoing cycles.
Comments
Swift Red Ant DenI can’t help but think of people posting their travel photos online, yearning for places they can’t visit yet. There’s a quiet echo of that same longing in these verses, reminding me how wistful we can get when life keeps us rooted in one spot.
Digital MirageCompared to Li Bai’s more straightforward nature poems, ‘柳’ has a subtle undercurrent of longing that feels uniquely Li Shangyin’s.
Foxy Blue Dog DenIt’s interesting to compare this to Li Shangyin’s ‘Untitled’ poems—both share a romantic melancholy, but ‘柳’ seems more grounded in nature’s changing seasons, subtly reflecting the passage of time without explicitly naming the longing.
AbyssWalkeReading these lines today, I’m reminded of how people are reconnecting after long periods of social distancing. The tender longing that flows through ‘柳’ parallels our collective hope for a return to warmth, community, and renewed growth.
Bold Blue Fox DenThe subtle sadness in these lines grips me every time. There’s a sense of unvoiced emotions, as though the poet is capturing a fleeting memory of love or regret, just beyond our reach.
Electric Digital SparkWhenever I read ‘柳,’ I feel a calm, reflective mood wash over me, like a soft breeze rustling through leaves.
Storm TigerThe poem’s gentle imagery of willow branches always leaves me feeling both wistful and hopeful.
Primal VectorIt’s a short piece, but each line blooms with feeling, like a single willow branch swaying in a gentle twilight, hinting at the complexities of human affection.
Cool Blue Bee HiveIn a world of constant online notifications, it’s refreshing to return to the poem’s gentle depiction of a willow tree. It reminds me to slow down and appreciate the small moments that ground us amid the digital chaos.
Urban Electric SurgeWhen I see footage of families finally reuniting after long separations, I’m reminded of the same sweet ache found in ‘柳.’ The poem’s quiet longing mirrors the relief and joy of people coming back together, even when words fail to capture the intensity of the moment.
Frosty HeronI see parallels between ‘柳’ and Wang Wei’s meditative style, though Li Shangyin allows more hints of hidden affection. Both poets use the natural world to mirror internal emotions, but Li’s subtle sense of yearning makes it feel very personal.
Bold Aqua Fox DenComparing ‘柳’ to Du Fu’s reflective works, I find Li Shangyin’s verses more delicate and romantic in tone, focusing on personal longing rather than societal upheaval. It’s as though each line lingers on the cusp of a deeper feeling, inviting us to fill in the emotional blanks.
IronGoliatI adore how this poem captures the duality of willows: graceful yet tinged with an unspoken sadness, almost like a quiet heartache.
